Happy birthday, Louis Poulsen! Unveiling the sparkling gems of the 150th anniversary collection

Happy anniversary, Louis Poulsen! This year, the beloved Danish lighting manufacturer is celebrating its 150th birthday. To mark the occasion, the iconic design brand has released special edition versions of its most precious luminaires.

PH Artichoke is known as one of the greatest classics of Danish design.

UNIQUE, timeless ja distinctive – this combination has made Louis Poulsen's luminaires beloved classics that have captivated the eye for generations. Now for 150 years, to be precise.

Founded in 1874, the Danish lighting brand celebrates its roots by releasing a unique collection of its most beloved classic lamps. The PH ArtichokePH 5, and AJ Mini will charm both old and new fans with their updated shades. To celebrate the anniversary, classics are now dressed in beautiful pale pink and sophisticated brass.

PH Artichoke consists of thin metal sheets which spread around the lamp's steel frame, opening up like the leaves of an artichoke.
The outer surface of the PH Artichoke Anniversary Edition is matte white and the inner surface is painted pale pink, paying homage to the original model, which also had a rose interior.

PH Artichoke pendant needs no introduction – designed by Poul Henningsen in 1958, the luminaire is a modern design icon that lights up countless homes and public spaces all around the world.

PH Artichoke was originally designed for the Langelinie Pavilion restaurant in Copenhagen, where it still hangs today. The pendant consists of thin metal sheets which spread around the lamp's steel frame and open up like the leaves of an artichoke. The outer surface of the anniversary model is painted matte white and the inner surface is pale pink, paying homage to the original copper model, which also had a rose interior.

Like the PH Artichoke anniversary edition, the outer surface of the PH 5 anniversary model is also painted matte white. The inner surface is pale pink.
Brass-colored details add a touch of sophistication to the look of the PH 5 anniversary edition.

In addition to the beloved Artichoke, Poul Henningsen has become known for another classic luminaire. The versatile and elegant PH 5 pendant combines elegant design with an innovative construction: the beautiful, layered shades prevent glare and provide pleasant lighting in any space.

By the way, do you know where the name of this charming luminaire comes from? PH 5 refers not only to the designer himself but also to the main shade’s 50-centimetre diameter.

The elegant alliance of pale pink, white and brass continues in the AJ Mini anniversary edition table lamp.

The AJ Mini table lamp is a smaller version of Arne Jacobsen's classic design. The iconic form of Louis Poulsen’s AJ range was born in 1957 when the legendary architect designed the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen including its interior and furniture.

The timeless look of the AJ lamp consists of basic, geometric forms: a cone-shaped shade with a simple cylinder socket. The adjustable shade of the anniversary edition is painted pale inside, reflecting soft and pleasant light with no glare. A slim arm and lightweight base complete the classic look of the luminaire.

The softly illuminating AJ Mini table lamp is ideal for brightening up a reading nook in the living room.

If you want to grab yourself the 150-anniversary luminaire, act fast – these lamps are only available for a limited time. For the PH Artichoke pendant, you'll need to be even quicker, as only a limited edition of 300 pieces has been produced for the anniversary.

See also:

All products by Louis Poulsen >

Text: Susa Pääkkönen Images: Louis Poulsen

Previous story
Next story




Subscribe to Finnish Design Shop’s newsletter to stay updated on new Design Stories!

Subscribe now

For the love of design

Design Stories is Finnish Design Shop's own online magazine, that takes you to beautiful Nordic homes, introduces new products and beloved icons – and much more!

Go to the Design Stories front page

Shop Nordic design

Design Stories is provided by Finnish Design Shop, the world’s largest online store specialized in Nordic design.

Discover our selection

Buy & sell authentic vintage

Franckly.com is a curated online marketplace for pre-owned design maintained by Finnish Design Shop.

Find treasures at Franckly